Apparatus for filling bags



Dec. 30, 1958 B. w. RosE 2,866,484

APPARATUS FOR FILLING BAGS Filed Nov. 1, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORBOYD W. ROSE ATTORNEY Dec. so, 195s B. w. ROSE 2,866,484

APPARATUS FOR FILLING BAGS Filed NOV. 1, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 III 89 38l :67 o., 86 I3 l 47 l] |lI l 4559 52 58 ||l H1 x INVENTOR BOYD W. ROSEBY ffm ATTORNEY Dec. 30, 1958 B. w. RosE 2,866,484

APPARATUS FOR FILLING BAGS Filed Nov. l, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORBOYD Vl. ROSE Y A@ i AMM/m,

ATTORNEY Dec. 30, 1958 B. w. ROSE APPARATUS FOR FILLING BAGS 4Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. l, 1955 INVENTOR ATTORNEY United States PatentAPPARATUS FR FILLING BAGS Boyd W. Rose, Riverside, Calif., assignor toFood Machinery and Chemical Corporation, San Jose, Calif., a corporationof Delaware Application November 1, 1955, Serial No. 544,179

17 Claims. (Cl. 141-83) This invention appertains to an apparatus forfilling bags with fiuids or iiuidized solids and more particularlyrelates to an improved mechanism for supporting and sealing a bag whileit is being lled and for releasing the bag after it is filled.

The bag filling apparatus of this invention is an irnprovement inapparatus of the type in which powdered or granular material is aeratedand fiuidized to facilitate the delivery thereof into porous bags. Inorder to fill bags of this type a filling spout, which communicates withthe supply tank, is inserted in the inlet passage of the bag and isclamped therein permitting fiuidized material to flow through the spoutand into the bag. During the filling operation the bottom of the bagrests upon a support structure which carries most ofthe weight of thebag and material contained therein. After the bag has been filled, thebag is released and allowed to fall free of the filling apparatus. Bagfilling apparatus of this type is more fully disclosed in the UnitedStates Patent to Paul C. Aust, No. 2,795,389, dated June 1l,` i957.

Certain filling and discharging difficulties have been encountered inthe use of apparatus of this type. It has been found that quitefrequently a bag is successfully filled by the apparatus, but afterbeing released so that it may fall free from the machine, the bag hangsup on the filling spout. The operator must thereafter manually, andusually with considerable difiiculty, remove the bag from the spout.Another difficulty encountered with existing apparatus of this typeresults from the fact that pressure builds up within the bag and forcessome of the powdered material to flow between the wall of the l baginlet passage and the filling spout of the mechanism to the outeratmosphere. This results in very disagreeable working conditions and aloss of material.

it is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a bag fillingapparatus which will automatically and dependably release bags, whenfilled, to thereafter allow them to fall free of the apparatus,

Another object is to provide an improved bag sealing device for a bagfilling and discharging apparatus.

Another object is to provide a bag filling apparatus adapted toefficiently support and seal a bag while it is being filled.

Another object is to provide an improved control system for a bagfilling and discharging apparatus, said sys-v tem being adapted tocooperatively control the functions of holding and sealing a bag whilebeing filled and to thereafter cooperatively and automatically controlthe functions of stopping the flow of material into the bag andreleasing the bag so that it may fall free of the bag filling apparatus.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description of the accompanying drawings which illustratea preferred embodiment thereof and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective of a bag filling apparatus embodyingthe invention.

assetti Patented Dec. 30, 1958 Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a lowerportion of the bag filling apparatus of Fig. 1 with certain parts brokenaway.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the bag filling apparatus of Fig. l, withparts broken away and other parts shown in section.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken along the lines 4-4 of Fig. l.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the pneumatic control system used with the bagfilling apparatus ot Fig. 1.

In the bag tillingand discharging apparatus of this invention, a bag B(Fig. 5) is placed on a bag support unit 11 which is, in turn, mountedon a scale 12. The bag B is of the type wherein the material enters thebag through a generally tubular portion V that is `known as a bag valve.in order to fill the bag B, a filling spout 13, which is incommunication with a supply tank 14, is inserted within the valve V ofthe bag B and is clamped in this position against a stationary clampingstructure 16. A. fiuidized material contained in the supply tank 14 isthen directed into the bag B through the filling spout 13. in order toprevent a portion of the fluidized material flowing into the bag fromescaping between the valve V and the filling spout 13, a pneumatic bagseal 17 is provided which, when inflated, seals this opening. As the bagB is being filled, the bag and its contents are continuously weighed bythe scale 12. When a desired weight of material is reached, the scaleautomatically activates a pneumatic control system 1S whereby to close avalve mechanism 19 which stops the fiow of material into the bag B.immediately thereafter, the bag seal is deliated and the filling spoutis swung away from the clamping structure. Due to the fact that theweight of the bag is disposed on the support structure 11 in anofi-center position and to the fact that the upper end of the bag isreleased from the spout 13, the filled bag swings outwardly and fallsfree of the apparatus.

More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention comprises thesupply tank 14 (Figs. 1 and 3) mounted on the upper portion of a framestructure 21.` The tank 14 is arranged to receive a supply of powderedor granular material into which air, or any other suitable fiuidizingagent, is introduced through a conduit 22 (Fig. 5) which communicateswith the bottom of the tank 14. The air aerates or liuidizes thematerial contained within the tank 14 to thereby facilitate the abilityof the material to flow, and to prevent the formation and dispersal ofan excessive amount of dust during the bag filling operation.

The scale l2 (Figs. 1 and 3) comprises two substantially parallel beams23 and 24 which are integrally connected by a rear bight section 26(Fig. 3) extending between their ends, and by a transverse member 27disposed between the beams adjacent their midpoint. Each beam 23 and 24of the scale 12 is mounted to pivot on a knife edge 25S which projectsupwardly from a cross member 29 of the frame structure 21 to contact theassociated scale beam substantially at its midpoint. A heavycounterweight 31 is pivotally secured to each of the beams 23 and 24adjacent the rear end thereof to counterbalance the major portion ofweight applied on the scale by the weight of a filled bag. A horizontalbar 32 is secured to and extends between the vmidpoint of the transversemember 27 and the bight section 26, and has a light counterweight 33slidably mounted thereon. rthe counterweight 33 may be selectivelypositioned along the bar 32 to adapt the scale for use with bags ofdifferent capacities. The rearward end of the bight section 26 isprovided with a limiting device 34 which swings between upper and lowerlimits provided by a Ushaped bracket 36 mounted on the frame structure21. The limiting device 34 prevents excessive vertical movement 3 of thescale 12. The forward end of each of the beams 23 and 2d (Fig. l) of thescale 12 is provided with a knife edge 37 whichis pivotally engaged in asuitable mating portionV near the outer end of one of the arms of ahorizontally extending yoke 38 which is, in turn,

secured to a vertical support column 39 of the bag sup-4 port unit lill.Thus the bag support unit 11 is pivotally supported by the scale 12through the rigid yoke 38.

As will be pointed out presently, the filling spout 13 and a bag cradleassembly 41 (Fig. l) are pivotally mounted on the vertical column 39 ofthe Abag support unit l1 and thebag clamping structure 16 is rigidlysecured on the column. Accordingly, as the bag B is being filled, theentire unit 11 including the filling spout 13, the cradle assembly 41,the bag clamping structure i6, and the column 39 move downwardly toactivate the scale 12.

The bag cradle 41 (Figs. 1 and 2) comprises a twopiece verticallyextending channel 42 which is arranged to be adjustably lengthened in avertical direction and is provided atits upper end with a concavelyformed bag back rest d3. A horizontally disposed, forwardly directedangle member i4 is secured, as by welding, to each side face of the'channel d2 near its lower end. Mounted for horizontal adjustmentbetween the two angle members d4, by means of bolts 46 extending throughslots 47 provided in the angle members, are two similar earshaped seats48 and i9 which have convex support surfaces upon which a bag restsduring the filling operation.

The cradle assembly 41 is pivotally mounted on a f bracket S1 (Fig. 1)which is secured to and projects outwardly from a lower portion of thevertical column 39. The bracket 51 comprises two parallel, horizontalchannel membersv'?. (Fig. 2), which are secured to a face plate 53 andproject forwardly beneath the angle members 44. The face plate 53 liesagainst the forward face of the column 39 and 'has tabs`54 (Fig. 1) bentat 90 to contact the side surfaces of the column 39 to prevent shiftingof the face plate 53 relative to the column 39. A strap 56 is arrangedto lie against the rear face and both sides of the column 39 and has astud 57 secured on each side thereof to project forwardly throughsuitable apertures provided in the face plate 53. Nuts 58 are threadedon the ends of the studs 57 to lfirmly secure the bracket 51 to thecolumn 39. Two axially aligned pivot pins 59 (Fig. 2) are provided andare so arranged that one pivot pin 59 extends through one of the channelmembers 52, of the angle members 44, one of the earshapd elements i8 or49, and one of `the two spaced horizontal Vsupport members 4d, while theother pin 59 extends through the other of the above mentioned parts tomount the bag cradle assembly i1 pivotally in relation to the vrvertialcolumn 39. It should be noted that the pivot pins 59 (Fig. 5) arehorizontally" spaced from the vertical column 39 a 'distancesubstantially less than the distance between the column 39 and thecenter of gravity, indicated generally at 6i. in Fig. 5, of a lilled bagB supported on the cradle assembly 41. Thus, when the uriner end of thebag B yis released, the weight of the bag will tilt the cradle assembly41 in a counterclockwise 'n direction r(Fig. 3) to thereafter permit thebag to fall free from thecradle 41.

T o prevent excessive pivoting of the bag support cradle All, anabutment arm 62 (Fig. 3) is secured to the lower end of the channel 42and projects downwardly and forwardly therefrom. When the cradleassembly dit is swung in'a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 3) theabutmerit arm '62 will'swing counterclockwise (Fig. 3) and will contactthelower horizontal edge of the face plate 53, thus preventingy furtherpivoting of the cradle 4i. A tensionfspring 63 (Fig. 2) is positionedbetween each angle `member '44 and each channel member 52k and has anupper erid secured to one of the angle members dd and a lower endsecured to the face plate 53 whereby 4 to return the cradle 41 to the'pio'sitionshownA in* Fig. 3* after the filled bag has fallen from thecradle.

lt will be apparent that during the filling operation the lower end ofthe bag support unit 11 (Fig. 3) will tend to swing inwardly toward theframe structure 21. Accordingly, a buffer link 64 is pivotallyinterposed between the lowerportion of the vertical column 39 and abracket d6, which is rigidly attached to the frame 21, to preventexcessive pivoting of thecolumn 39 during the bag filling anddischarging operation while permitting free downward movement of thecolumn.

rl`he bag clamping structure 16 is secured on the upper forward face ofthe column 39, which is forwardlybent as clearly shown in Fig. 3. Thestructure 16 comprises an upwardly-opening channel bracket 67 (Fig. 1)which projects outwardly from the face of the column 39, on which it ismounted by bolts 68, one only being shown. A pneumatic bagclamping'cylinder' 69 is mounted on the upper surface of the bracket `67and has its plunger'l (Fig. 4) extending rearwardlythrongh a suitablekopening 7;?. provided in the column 39. A stationary clampelement 73 ismounted on the lower end ofa downwardly projecting stud 7/i,whic`nextends through av slot 76 provided in the bottom face `of the channelbracket 67 and is locked on the channel by nuts 77. With vthisarrangement, the stationary clamp element 73 may be adjusted bothvertically and horizontally to allow the stationary clamping element 73to be fixed in the most desirable positionfor cooperation with theilling spout i3 which `acts as the movable clamping-element.

The filling spout 13 (Figs. l and 4) comprises a rigid iilling tube 7dwhich is secured to and extends through a rigid lcoll-ar 79 positionedadjacent the inlet end of tire spout, The collar k'79 is, in turn,rigidly secured to a bracket lll 'by any suitable means', such aswelding. The terminal end 82 of the filling spout 13 has `a downwardlycurved upper surface whichv permits the bag .te be easily releasedtherefrom after the bag has been filled. The lower portion of theterminal end 32 of the iilling tube '73 has an 4opening 83, as clearlyshown in Fig. 4, to allow fluids or -fluidized solids to be dischargedfrom the tube iii into the bag B. The bracket 8l (Fig. 3)-, on. whichthe filling spout 13 is mounted, is pivotally mounted on the column 39by means of bolts 8d (Figs. l and 3), only one being shown, which extendthrough suitably apertured bosses d6, one of which is rigidly secured oneach sideiof the bracket' A81. Thev pivoted positionof the bracket' Elis controlled -by the-'plunger 71- (Fig. 4) of the bag crampingcylindery 69. When the plunger 71 is actuated, it contacts a bar 37,which` extends transversely through slots in the side walls of .thecolumn 39-at1d which is secured within a pair Vof spaced bosses 89 (Fig.l) welded on the upper side surfaces ofthe bracket dit in alignment withthe slots dii.

When air under pressure is directed into the bag clamping cylinder 69,the plunger 7'1`(`Fig. 4) is pushed out of its cylinder and contacts thebar S7 lto pivot the bracket till on the bolts 8d whereby the fillingspout i3 is swung upwardly into the bag clamping positionl shown inFigs. 3 and 5. Thus, a bag placed over the filling spout i3 will belirmly locked 'between the spout and the clamping element 73. When airis released from the cylinder 69, the filling spout i3 is allowed topivot away from the element 73 by gravity to therebyv assume thedownwardly inclined bag-releasing position shown in Fig. 4.

rl`hc bag seal 17 (Fig. 4) which is made of a llexible, resilientmaterial, such as rubber, is generally tubular in shape and is fittedover the iilling'tube 7S. Near its rearmost end, the seal 17 is securelyclamped on thc collar 79 by a circular clamp 91. The forward end ot thebag seal lits over the filling tube 78 and terminates immediatelyrearward of the discharge opening The forward lportion 92 of the bagseal 1'7 is slightly' thicker in longitudinal cross section than themain 'body 93 of the seal 17 and is Aprovided with a beveledA outer edge9d in order that the inlet valve V of the `bag B may be easily g slidover .the bag seal. An annular inner lip 96 of the bag seal 17 extendsrearwardly from the forward portion 92`thereof and has an inner surface97 which contacts the outer surface of the rigid filling tube 78 and anouter surface 98 of slightly larger diameter. A ring-like space 99 isprovided between th-e internal diameter of a portion of the main body 93and the outside diameter of the annular lip 96. A suitable air supplyconduit 101 is Isecured to `and extends within the bag seal 17 to directair under pressure into the bag seal 17 to cause the annular lip 96 tobe forced into an airtight seal around the lling tube 78 and to causethe body 93 of the bag seal 17 to increase in diameter and contact thesurfaces of the bag valve V placed therearound to thereby seal theinside of the bag from the atmosphere. Upon release of air pressure, thebag seal 17 collapses and returns to the position shown in Fig. 3.

A flexible tube 102 (Figs. 3 and 4) is connected between the lling spout'13 and the supply tank 14, to allow uids or uidized solids to flow fromthe supply tank 14 to the filling spout 13. The tube 102 is connected tothe rearward portion of the filling tube 78 by ya clamp 103. The rearend of the tube 102 is connected tothe tank 14 by any suitable means,such as by mating anges 104 and 106 (Fig. l).

The valve mechanism 19 (Fig. l) is of the type described in the LettersPatent of Neil S. Stafford, et al., Patent No. 2,770,439, issuedNovember 13, 1956. Since the valve mechanism is not a part of thepresent invention it will not now be described in detail. In general,the valve mechanism 19 comprises an air motor 111 mounted on an anglebracket 112 which is, in turn, -mounted to the forward portion of theframe 21, An upper pinch bar 113 (Fig. 5) and a lower pinch bar 114 arepositioned, respectively, above and below the exible tube 102 leading tothe spout 13 and are connected by a suitable linkage 116 (Figs. l and 3)which is supported by the angle bracket 112 and is connected to thepiston rod 117 (Fig. 5) of the air motor 111. When air is introducedbelow th-e piston 118 (Fig. 5) of the air 4motor 111, the upper pinchbar 113 and lower pinch bar 114 `are moved away from each other to theposition shown in Figures 3 and 5, allowing the llexible tube 102 toopen and the fluids o-r uidized solids contained in the tank 114 to owthrough the tube 102 into the bag B. When air is introduced above thepiston 118, the upper bar 113 and lower bar 114 are forced together topinch -the tube 102, as best sh-own in Fig. 4, and thus stop the flow ofuids or lluidized solids from the tank :14 into the tilling spout 13.

The pneumatic control system 18, which yautomatically and cooperativelycontrols the bag lling and discharging operation is showndiagrammatically in Fig. 5. Although other gases may be used as apneumatic operating medium, air is the preferred gas and, therefore, inthe description of the control system 18 to follow, air will be referredto as the operating medium.

Air is introduced into the control system 18 from a suitable highpressure source (not shown) through a conduit 130 and, `after passingthrough a lter 131, the air is divided into three separate portions. Oneportion of the air flows through a conduit 133 to a pressure regulator134 and then through the conduit 22 and into the material supply tank 14to thereby iluidize the material contained therein. The regulator 134 isset at a predetermined pressure found most desir-able to lluidize theparticular material to be filled into bags.

Another portion of the air flows from the filter 131 through conduits135 and 136 and to a low pressure regulator 137 which is set atapproximately 5 p. s. i. The low pressure air ows from the regulator 137through a conduit 138 to a three-way valve 139 which comprises an outerhousing 141 within which a spool 142 is positioned for verticalmovement. The spool 142 may be upwardly urged by a spring 143 ordownwardly urged by a high pressure source of air entering the housing141 at the top thereof through a conduit 144, as will be more completelydescribed later. An inlet port 146, an outlet port 147, and a vent 148are so located in the housing 141 of the three-way valve 139 that whenthe spool 142 is in the upper position of Fig. 5, the inlet port 146 andoutlet port 147 are in communication and, when the spool 142 is iu thelower position, the vent 148 and the outlet port 147 are incommunication while the inlet port 146 is closed. The conduit 101, whichdelivers air under pressure to the bag seal 17, is connected to theoutlet port 147. Thus, when the three-way valve 139 is positioned asshown in Fig. 5, the low pressure air ows trom the low pressureregulator 137, through the conduit 138, through the inlet port 146 andout the outlet port 147 of the three-way valve 139, through the conduit101, and into the bag seal 17 to thereby inflate the seal 17 causing itto expand against the valve V of the bag B. When high pressure air isintroduced to the top of the three-way valve 139, thereby forcing thespool 142 downwardly, as viewed in Fig. 5, air is allowed to bleed fromthe bag seal 17 through the conduit 101, into the outlet port 147 andout the vent 148 of the three-way valve 139 to thereby allow the bagseal 17 to deiiate.

Another portion of air from the filter 131 flows to a high pressureregulator 151 through the conduits 135 and 152 and thereafter flowsthrough a conduit 154 to a lubricator 155. A conduit 156 introduces thehigh pressure air to a master valve 157 whichy is mounted on top of theair motor 111 as best shown in Fig. l.

The master valve 157 (Fig. 5) comprises a housing 158 having acylindrical chamber 159 and a distribution chamber 161. A spool 162,having an annular groove 163 around its midpoint, is slidably mountedwithin the cylindrical chamber 159 of the housing 158. A small airpassageway 164 is provided in the surface of the spool 162 extendinglongitudinally thereon to thereby allow air to flow to each end of thecylindrical chamber 159 of the housing 158. High pressure air from theconduit 156 enters the master valve 157 through an inlet port 166 andthen ilows to each end of the cylindrical chamber 159 as previouslymentioned. From the chamber 159 air flows through a slot 167 provided inan inner wall 168 of the housing 158 and thereafter into thedistribution chamber 161. A slide valve 169 is sildably mounted withinthe distribution chamber 161 and is connected to the spool 162 by meansof an arm 171, which extends through the slot 167 and is received withinthe annular groove 163 of the spool 162 for movement therewith. In orderto be assured of a supply of air at each end of the cylindrical chamber159, the spool 162 is prevented from contacting the ends of the chamber159 due to the fact that the arm 171 contacts the end walls of the slot167 before the spool reaches the end of the chamber 159. The slide valve169 is provided with two internal chambers 172 and 173 which are sealedfrom the high pressure air within' the distribution chamber 161. n orderto provide flow passages between adjacent ports, the chambers 172 and173 are arranged to overlap different ports provided in the housing 158.When the master valve 157 is positioned as shown in Fig. 5, a port 176is in direct communication by means of the chamber 173 with a vent 177;a second vent 178 is in communication with the chamber 172; and a port179 is in communication with the distribution chamber 161 and the highpressure air contained therein. When the spool 162 and the attachedslide valve 169 are moved to the left (Fig. 5), the port 1,76 is openedto the high pressure air contained within the distribution chamber 161,and the port 179 is in communication with the vent 178 through thechamber 172.

The master valve 157 is of the type in which a temporary unbalance ofthe air pressure on the ends of the spool 162 will cause the spool andattached slide valve clamping cylinder 61.

169 to Ashift p`osition 4inlthe housing. This.unbalanced conditionisachieved by normally closed 'Switches which are in.the form of springloadedair bleeder valves'disposed in air conduits which communicate witheach end of the cylindrical chamber 159. When one 'of the switches isheld in an open position 'for a short time, a small amount of airwillbleedfrom one side of the cylindrical chamber 159 causingtheabove-mention'ed unbalanced air pressure and thereby causing thespool 162 to be shifted to thelow pressureend.

The above-mentioned switches comprise a manually operated start switch-181, aV manually operated stop switch 152'and a scale actuated switch1&3. Thestart switch 181 is conveniently positioned' atthe front ofthemachine on .the right side of the .'master valve 157 (Fig. l) with whichit is in communication through a conduit 131i. Similarly the stopswitchv 182 is positioned 'at the front of the machine'onthe'left ysideofthemaster valve 157 (Fig. l) and is infconnnunication-withthe leftkend of the cylindrical chamber 1590i rtherrnaster `valve 157 through aconduitV 185. TheV scale actuated 'switch-183 (Fig. 3) is Amounted-on'the upper forward portion of the .frame structure 21 adjacent the vupperend of a lever arm 137 which is secured to and projects upwardly fromthe cross member 27 of the scale 12. An adjustment bolt 188 isthreadedly received adjacent the upper end of the lever arm 1857 and isypositioned to contact and actuate the scale switchV 133 when `the scale13 is pivoted counterclockwise (Fig. 3) by the weight of a bag which hasreceived a desired quantity of material. The scale actuated switch 183(Fig.y 5) 'is connected in parallel with the stop switch 182 by theconduit 189.

Thus, when the start switch 181 (Fig. 5) is momentarily actuated, thespool 162 and attached slide valve 169 are forced to slide to the rightinto the yposition shown in Fig. 5 allowing air to i'low through theport 176, through the chamber 173 and out the'vent 177, andalso allowinghigh pressure air contained in the distribution chamber 161 to ilow outthe port 179. When either the stop switch 132 or the scale actuatedswitch 183 is momentarily actuated, the fspool 162 `and the attachedslide valve 169 slide to the left (Fig. 5) thereby opening the port 176to high pressureair contained within the distri'- bution chamber 161 andallowing air to flow from the port 179, through the chamber' 172'and outthe vent 17S to the outer atmosphere. v

The port 179 of the master valve 157 isV connected by la conduit191-tothe-air motor 111at a point located below the pistonM-S.--Anotherlconduit192 connects the port 176 and l.the airY motor 111. ata point above the piston11. Thus, with 4the spool 162 of the mastervalve 157 positionedat .the right Ahand end of the chamber 15h as shownvin Fig. 5, high pressure air ilows through the conduit' 191, raises thepistonlllt and opens the valve mechanism 19. At 'the same time, the airin the upper portion of the 'air-motor cylinder is vented through theconduit the chamber 173, and the vent 177. When the spool of the mastervalve 157 is positioned at the left hand end of the chamber'159, highpressure air (lows through the conduit 192 to the top of the air motor111 -to force the piston'ltl downwardly to close the `valve mechanism19. ln this case, the lower portion of the ,air motor cylinder is ventedthrough the conduit 191,

the chamber 172, and the vent 178.

A conduit 193 is connected to the conduit 191 to allow air to ow to -aneedle valve 19ft^and to a lay-pass check valve 19S which are connectedin parallel. T he by-pass ycheck valve 195 ailows air to rapidly flow tothe left as yviewed inFig. 5 but prevents air `from iiowing Vin theopposite direction. A conduit 196 communicates tle needle valve 19d andluy-pass check valve 195 with the Thus, when the master valve 157 ispositioned as -shownin Fig. y5, air rapidly flows from the conduit193,-through the needlevalve 194 and yluy-pass check valve 195, throughthe conduit 196, and

ti l) intothe bagclamping cylinder 69 to thereby rapidly pivot the'filling spout 13y intofafb'ag clamping position. Upon shifting therspool162 of the master valve 157 to' the left (Fig. 5), air is allowed' toslowly escape'from the bag clamping'cylind'er 69, through the conduit196, andthe needle Valve -194 and into the Valve chamber 172 where itis' vented to the' atmosphere through theport 17S. Thus, withthe abovearrangement, the iilling'spout 13 is rapidly pivoted to'the bag'clampingpositionbut is slowly pivoted away from the bag clampingposition into the bag releasing position.

As previously mentioned, the spool 142 of the threeway valve 139 isurgedto its upper position'in the house ing 141'bya1spring 143 and ismovedtoits lower position by high pressure air entering through #conduit1544. lnorder to control the-positionof the spool-142 'within thethree-way valve 139, the aforementioned Yconduit '192, which isconnected t'o Zthe porti 176-' of the rnaster'va'lve 157,'is connected"byfafbrahch 'conduit w'-toa'needle valve 198landaby-pass checkvvali/e199. Air may tiow through the'by-pass'check'valve'199 to theleftas shown in Fig'. 5 but is prevented from flowing in the "oppositedirection. `The needle valve 198and by-pass check valve 199 areconnected` to the previously described three-way valve 139 by theconduit 144. When the Spedi-1.62 of the master valve 157 ispositionedatthe right as shown in Fig. 5, air 'in the conduit 144 is ventedthroughthe chamber 173 and the vent 177. This Aallows the spool 142 ofthe three-way valve 139 to rapidly move upwardly to the position shownin Fig. 5 to-'open the conduit 1151 leading to the bag seal 17to'inflate the seal with low pressure air. 'Upon actuating the'mastervalve 157 so that the spool 162, isfpositioned to the left (Fig. '5),air will flow from the master valve1'57 through the port 176, slowlythrough the" needle valve'198, through the conduit 144 and into thethree-way valve 139 to thereby slowly move the spooli142 downwardly'toshut oli the' supply lol? lowpressure air to the bag seal 17 andv toallow the 'air contained in the seal to escape tothe atmosphere throughthe-vent 148 as previouslydescribed.

At the beginning of'a bag iilling cycle, the apparatus is positionedasvshown in Fig. 1. Accordingly, the cradle assembly 41 ispositioned withthe ear-shaped seats 48 and 49 substantially horizontal sol that thebottom of a bag may beplaced thereupon; the filling vspout 13 is pivoteddownwardly away `from the 'stationary clamping clement 73;' the lbagseal'17 is dellated lso that' the valve of a bag may lie easily placedthereover; and the valve mechanism 19 vis in its closed positiontherebypreventingr the fluids or lluidized solids contained in the tank1d from passing into thellingspout 13. 'The' start switchlt is thenmomentarily actuated' causing' the spool 1626i: the master' valve 157 toa'ssume'thepo'sition shown in Fig. 5.

High pressure air then llows to the bagclanip cylinder 69 throughconduit 196 to thereby pivot the-filling spout upwardly into vthe bagclamping positionas shown in Figs. 3 and 5. Simultaneously, air flows-tothe lower side of the pistonof the air'motor 111 through conduit 191 toopen the valve mechanism 19 'and' ailow fluidized material to flow intothe bag B. Also, high pressure air is allowed to bleed from the spaceabove thespool l142 of the'three-way valve 139, permittingvthe spool142th move upwardly and open the low pressure air line to the bag seal17toinate the bag seal. When the bag B is filled to the desired weight,the scale 12 is pivoted counterclocltwisetFig. 5) therebyactuating thescale-switch 183 and causing the spool 162, of the master valve 157 tobe shifted to the left.

A portion of the high pressure air is then `directed through conduit 192to the top of vthe cylinderfof the air Vmotor 111 to thereby`rapicllyfclose the valve mechanism 19, stopping the flow of iluidizedmaterial into the bag-B. vA secondportion of high pressure air-slowlyflows into the'three-way valve 139 through conduit 144 to force spool142 downwardly to establish communication between the conduit 1.61 andthe vent 148 whereby to bleed air from the bag seal T7. Also, the bagclamping cylinder 69 is vented through the conduit 196, needle valve194, conduit 193, chamber 172 and vent 178 permitting the filling spoutto snr/ing downwardly to an inclined position wherein the bag may slideoff the spout. The delayed deflation on the bag seal 17 and release ofthe bag clamping cylinder 659 allows time for material within thefilling spout f3 to drain into the bag B.

After the bag has been filled and released from the spout 13, the weightof the bag acting through the offset center of 'gravity pivots theentire bag support cradle 41, in:luding the back rest 43, forwardly sothat the bag may then fall free from the cradle onto a conveyor or anyother suitable means provided to remove the bag from the area.

In the above-described bag filling and discharging apparatus, the novelpivotal mounting of the filling spout provides means for dependablyreleasing a bag from the spout thereby eliminating the possibility ofthe bag hanging up on the spout. Furthermore, the pivotal movement ofthe spout provides effective means of clamping a bag thereon when beingfilled. The novel iniiatable bag seal, heretofore unused on apparatus ofthis type, prevents the loss of material during the bag fillingoperation and provides greatly improved working conditions for theoperator.

While the apparatus of this invention has been described in connectionwith the filling of bags of the type having generally tubular inletvalves in the upper portion of the bag, it will be understood that theapparatus may be used to fill, not only bags of this type, but any bagin which the inlet opening is in the'upper portion of the bag.Accordingly, in the following claims the term bag valve is used in ageneric sense to indicate that portion of a bag which is immediatelyadjacent to and surrounds the bag inlet opening.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shownand described, it will be understood that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention or scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the present invention and the manner in which the`same is to be used, what is claimed as new and desired to protect byLetters Patent is:

1. In an apparatus for filling a bag of the type which has an inletvalve at the upper end, the combination of a bag support seat mountedfor pivotal movement from a substantially horizontal bag supportingposition to a i valve of the bag is clamped between said stationary`clamp and said filling spout to a downwardly inclined bag releasingposition removed from said clamp elemen, valve means operativelyconnected to said filling spout for opening and closing the fiow passagethrough said spout, and control means operatively connected to saidactuating means and to said valve means and arranged to consecutivelycause a rapid closing of said valve means to stop the flow of materialthro-ugh the spout and a slow downward pivotal movement of said fillingspout into the bag releasing position.

2. In an apparatus for filling a bag having an inlet valve at its upperend, the combination of a bag support ,seat arranged to receive thebottom of a bag to be filled,

Cit

a filling spout disposed above the bag support seat and arranged to bereceived within a tubular inlet valve at the upper end of a bag disposed0n said support seat, an inflatable sealing member encircling saidfilling spout and arranged to be inflated into sealed contact betweensaid spout and the inner surface of the bag valve, means mounting saidfilling spout for pivotal movement from a substantially horizontal bagfilling position to a downwardly inclined bag releasing position, fluidpressure means operable to infiate said bag seal, and control meansoperatively connected to said seal and to said filling spout mountingmeans and arranged to retard the deation of said seal and retard thepivotal movement of said filling spout into the bag releasing positionto assure completion of the emptying of the spout prior to the releaseof the bag from the filling spout.

3. In an apparatus for filling a bag of the type which has a tubularinlet valve at the upper end, the combination of a bag support seatmounted for pivotal movement from a Substantially horizontal bagsupporting position to a downwardly inclined bag discharge position, afilling spout disposed above said lbag support seat and arranged to havethe tubular inlet valve of a bag positioned thereover when said seat isin bag supporting position, a tubular inatable bag seal disposed aroundSaid filling spout between said spout and said inlet valve and arrangedto be expanded into Sealed contact against the inner surface of theinlet valve, a stationary clamp mounted above and closely adjacent saidfilling spout, means pivotally mounting said filling spout for upwardmovement from a downwardly inclined bag releasing position to asubstantially horizontal bag clamping position wherein the tubular valveof the bag is clamped between r said stationary clamp and said fillingspout, and control means operatively connected to said bag seal and tosaid filling spout mounting means for rapidly inflating said seal andrapidly pivoting said filling spout into bag clamping position, andthereafter causing slow pivotal movement of said filling spout into bagreleasing position to effect draining of material from the spout priorto the release of the bag from the lling spout, and causing slowdeflation of said seal to maintain dust sealing engagement with the baguntil filling is completed.

4. In an apparatus for filling a bag of the type which has an inletvalve adjacent its upper end, the combination of a scale, a supportmember pivotally mounted on the beam of the scale, a bag support seatpivotally mounted adjacent the lower end of said support member andprojecting outwardly therefrom to receive the bottom of a bag to befilled, said seat being arranged to be pivoted from a substantiallyhorizontal position to a downwardly inclined bag releasing position, afilling spout pivotally mounted on said support member adjacent theupper end thereof and extending outwardly from said support member abovesaid support seat and arranged to have the inlet valve of the bagdisposed thereover, and means operably connected to said spout forswinging said spout from a substantially horizontal bag filling positionto a downwardly inclined bagrelease position, said filling spout andsaid support member being arranged to pivot independently of each otherto the bag releasing position.

5. In an apparatus for filling a bag having a tubular inlet valve, afilling spout receivable within the tubular inlet valve of a bag, aninflatable bag sealing element disposed on said spout between said spoutand the inner surface of the tubular inlet valve of the bag, saidelement comprising a flexible resilient tubular body clamped at one endto the outer surface of said spout, and an annular inturned lip formedon the other end of said body and projecting internally of the bodytoward said one end of said body vand arranged to lie close against theouter surface of said spout, and means for directing l. 1 air underpressureinto thespacebetwen said spout and said tubular body. Y j

6. In an apparatus for filling av bag of the type which has a tubularinletvalve adjacent its upper end,I the combination of a bag supportseat adapted to receive lin supportingrelation the bottom of a bag to'be illed,/a filling spout disposed over said support seat and rarrangedto be received within the inlet valve of a bag'on said'jseat, aninflatable bag seal disposed on the filling spout Ibetwecn the spout andthe valve and arranged to contact the inner surfaces of the tubular bagvalve upon being inated, a conduit for directing duid under Ipressure-tosaid seal to inflate the seal, a first yalve arranged to control Howofl'uid through said conduit,'m`eans pivotally mounting said fillingspout for movementfrom a substantially horizontal'position to adownwardly' inclined position, power means operably connected toV said pivotal mounting means, a conduit for directing pressurized luid to said'power means, a second valve in the con, duit 'to said power meansforfcontrolling the energization and deenergiza't'ion of saidpowernmeans, and control means operatively connectedto said first andsecond valves'and arranged toactuate said valves to one setting toeliecta substantially simultaneous -upward pivoting movement of said spout ytoa substantially horizontal bag filling position and an ination ofthebag-seal into Sealing contact against the bag valve, said control meansalso being arranged to actuate said valves to a second setting to bleedfluid from said bag seal and tofbleed--air from 'said power means toallow the filling spout to pivot to a downwardly inclined bag releasingposition.

7. In an apparatus for filling bags with fluids or fluidized solids the*combination of a column, a filling `spout pivotally mounted on saidcolumn and projecting outwardly therefrom and arranged to be receivedwithin the inlet valve of a bag, a clamping element secured to saidcolumn and disposed directly above said filling spout, an actuatingmechanism for pivoting said spout, a pneumatic power Cylinder mounted onsaid clamping structure and operatively associated with said actuatingmechanism to pivot said filling spout upwardlytoward said clampingstructure when subjected to pneumatic pressure whereby to clamp theinlet valve lof a bag on said spout between said Aspout and saidclampingelement, and control means associated with said power cylinderand arranged'to direct air to said cylinder to eiect the upward movementof said spout to bag clamping position, and arranged to bleed air fromsaid power-cylinder to allow said spout'to gravitate away from said`clamping element.

` 8. ln an apparatus for filling a bag h aving an inlet opening adjacentthe upper end of the bag, the combination of a bag support seat arrangedto receive the bottom of a bag to be lled, a iilling spout disposedabove the bag support seat and arranged to be received within theinlet'opening at the upper end of a hagenl said seat, supporting meanspivotally mounting said "filling spout for pivotal movement from asubstantially 'hori- Vzontal bag filling position to a downwardlyinclined'bag Areleasing position, a `control valve disposed at the inletend of said spout and arranged to control iiow' of material into thespout, actuating means arranged to move said valve between a positionstopping ow of material into said'spout to a position permitting theflow of material into said spout, power cylinders operatively connectedto said spout mounting means and to said valve actuating means, conduit-means Iarranged to communicate each power cylinder with a source ofHuid under pressure, a master valve disposed in said conduit means andarranged to control iiow -of uid through said conduit means, and controlmeans loperably connected `to said master valve and arranged to move'saidfmaster valve to one setting wherein vthe power cylinder connectedto said control valve actuating means is energized 12 to open said-con'trolvalve and allow material to flow into the `filling spout andwherein the power cylinder connected to said "spout mounting means isenergizedto pivot said spout'to said substantially horizontal bag iil1-ing position.

9. In an apparatus for filling a bag vof the type that has an inletvalveat the upper end thereof, the combination of a scale having a pivotalbalance beam, a support structure pivotally mounted on the balance beamof said scale, a stationary clamp mounted Von said support structure andprojecting outwardly therefrom, a lling spout pivotally mounted on thesupport structure below said stationary clamp, said spout being arrangedto be received within the valve of a |bag to be iilled andto f bepivoted from an upper position closely adjacent said vspout to saidupper bag clamping position and arranged upon being deenergized topermit said spout to pivot to said bag release position, a iiuidpressure system for supplying iluid under pressure to said power means,a control member in said system and disposed to be actuated by saidbalance beam after a predetermined pivotal movement of the beam todeenergize said power means whereby said filling spout is pivoted awayfrom the stationary clamp into the bag releasing positionto thereafterallow the bag to fall free of the lilling'spout.

10. In an apparatus for filling a bag of the type which has a tubularinlet valve adjacent its upper end, the combination of a supportstructure, a stationary clamping element projecting outwardly from saidstru-cture,'a filling spout` mounted on said support structure forpivotal movement from a substantially horizontal bag tilling positionclosely adjacent to and below said clamping element to a downwardlyinclined bag release position, said spout being receivable within thetubular inlet valve 0f the bag, an actuating linkage connected tosaidpivotal spout for pivoting the same, power means arranged to actuatesaid linkage when energized, an intiatablev bag seal disposed closelyaround said spout between-'said spout and the inner surface of thetubular inletfbag valve on said spout, said seal being arranged upon'being inated to sealingly contact the inner surface of thefinlet valveand when deflated tobe loosely disposedminfthe valve, a conduit forsupplying air under pressure to said inflatable seal, a valve in saidconduit arranged-tobe moved between open and closed positions tocontrol-'fthe ow ofair through the conduit, contro-l means `operativelyassociated with said power means and with-said Valve and arranged toopen said valve and energize said powerY means to substantiallysimultaneously inate said Ibag seal and swing said spout upwardly to bagfilling position to clamp the bag between the spout and said clampingelement.

1l. An apparatus according to claim l0 wherein said control means isoperatively associated with said'power means and with said valve todee'nergize said power means and close said valve to substantiallysimultaneous- 1y pivotsaid spout to the downwardly inclinedbagro leaseposition and release pressurized air from said'bag seal.

12. in an apparatus for iilling a bag of the type which has a tubularinlet valve adjacent the upper end of the bag, the combination of avertical support member,`a bagseat secured to the lower end of saidsupport member and projecting outwardly therefrom to receivethe bottomof abag to be filled, a filling spout pivotally mounted on said verticalsupport member directly above said bag seat and'adapted to -be receivedwithin the tubular inletvalve of a bag on said seat, an actuatinglinkage connected to said spout and arranged upon being actuated topivot said spout between a downwardly inclined position and asubstantially horizontal bag filling position, a first power cylinderoperatively connected to said actuating linkage, a flexible conduitcommunicating with the inlet end of said filling spout for directingmaterial into said spout, a pincher valve mechanism operativelyassociated with said flexible conduit, a lever system connected to saidpincher valve and arranged upon being actuated to move the valve from aclosed position in flow restricting pinching engagement with saidflexible conduit to an open position wherein the valve is substantiallydisengaged from said flexible co-nduit, a generally tubular iniiatablebag seal disposed around said filling spout between said spout and theinner surface of the tubular inlet valve of the lbag, a conduitcommunicating said bag seal with a source of pressurized fluid, a flowcontrol valve disposed in said conduit and movable between open andclosed positions to control flow of fluid through the conduit, andcontrol means operatively associated with said spout actuating linkage,said pincher valve lever system, and said flow control Valve andarranged to actuate said linkage, said lever system and said valve topredetermined positions to effect the substantially simultaneous upwardswinging of said spout to the bag filling position, the movement of saidpincher valve to open position, and the inflation of said bag seal.

13. A bag filling apparatus comprising a support structure, a supplytank mounted on said support structure on the upper portion thereof, ascale mounted on the support structure disposed below said supply tankand having a balance beam projecting forwardly from said supportstructure, a vertically extending column pivotally mounted on saidbalance beam, a pivotal guide linkage connected between said column andsaid support structure and arranged to limit lateral movement of saidcolumn, a bracket mounted for vertical adjustment on the lower portionof said column and projecting forwardly therefrom, a support seatpivotally mounted on said bracket for pivotal movement from asubstantially horizontal position to a position inclined downwardly in adirection away from said column, a vertically adjustable member mountedon said seat and disposed adjacent said column and projecting upwardlyfrom said seat, a back rest secured on the upper portion of saidvertically adjustable member, a filling spout bracket pivotally mountedat its lower end on said column adjacent the upper end thereof, a bar atthe upper end of said filling spout bracket and having its axis parallelto the pivotal axis of said filling spout bracket, a filling spoutmounted on said filling spout bracket and projecting forwardly therefromover said bag support seat, a stationary clamping structure adjustablymounted on the upper portion of said column and disposed immediatelyadjacent and above said filling spout, a pneumatic power cylindermounted on said clamping structure and disposed adjacent the bar at theupper end of said bracket, a plunger movable in said cylinder andarranged to be forced outwardly of the cylinder when the cylinder isenergized to contact said bracket bar and pivot said spout to a positionadjacent said stationary clamping structure, a fiexible tube connectedbetween said supply tank and said filling spout whereby to directmaterial from said supply tank into said filling spout, a pincher valvemounted on said support structure adjacent the upper end thereof andincluding pinching elements disposed above and below said flexible tube,said valve being arranged when actuated to collapse said tube to blockthe fiow of material therethrough, and pneumatic means associated withsaid pincher valve and said pneumatic power cylinder for directingpressurized air to said valve and to said power cylinder.

14. In an apparatus for filling a bag of the type having an inletopening adjacent the upper end, the combination of a bag support seatmounted for pivotal movement from a substantially horizontal bagsupporting position to a downwardly inclined bag discharge position andarranged to receive the bottom of a bag to bev filled, a bag back restrigid with and positioned above said seat and arranged to engage theupper portion of a bag supported on said seat and for maintaining thebag in a Vertical position, a filling spout disposed above the bagsupport seat and said bag back rest and arranged to be received withinthe inlet opening of a bag disposed on said seat, clamp means mountedadjacent to and above said filling spout for clamping the bag againstsaid spout, and means for releasing said bag from said bag clampingmeans, said bag support seat being arranged to pivot to the bagdischarge position simultaneously with the release of said bag from thefilling spout whereby said bag back rest is caused to pivotally .sweeppast said filling spout to aid in the withdrawal of the filling spoutfrom within the bag inlet opening.

15. In an apparatus for filling a bag of the type having an inletopening adjacent the upper end, the combination of a bag support seatmounted for pivotal movement fro-m a substantially horizontal bagsupporting position to a downwardly inclined bag discharge position andarranged to receive the bottom surface of a bag to Ibe filled, a bagback rest rigid with and positioned above said seat and arranged toengage the upper portion of a bag supported on said seat, a fillingspout disposed above the bag support seat and said bag back rest andarranged to be received within the inlet opening at the upper end of abag disposed on said seat, a stationary clamp member mounted above thefilling spout, and means pivotally mounting said filling spout formovement from a downwardly inclined bag releasing position to asubstantially horizontal bag clamping position closely adjacent saidclamp member whereby the portion of the bag above said inlet opening isclamped between said stationary clamp and said filling spout, said .bagsupport seat being arranged to pivot to the bag discharge positionsimultaneously as said filling spout is pivoted to the bag releasingposition whereby said bag back rest is caused to sweep past said fillingspout to aid in the withdrawal of the filling spout from within the baginlet opening.

16. In an apparatus for filling bags with liuids or fluidized solids thecombination of a column, a filling spout pivotally mounted on saidcolumn and projecting outwardly therefrom and arranged to be receivedwithin the inlet valve of a bag, a clamping element secured to saidcolumn and disposed directly above said filling spout, an actuatingmechanism for pivoting said spout, power means supported by said columnand operatlvely associated with said actuating mechanism to pivot saidfilling spout upwardly toward said clamping structure when actuatedwhereby to clamp the inlet valve of a bag on said spout between saidspout and said clampmg element, and control means associated with saidpower means and arranged to actuate said power means to effect the rapidupward movement of said spout to bag clamping position, and thereafterarranged to deactivate said power means to allow said spout to slowlygravitate away from said clamping element.

17. In an apparatus for filling a Ibag having an inlet opening adjacentits upper end, the combination of a bag support seat arranged toreceivein supporting relation the bottom of a bag to be filled, means mountingsaid seat for pivotal movement from a substantially horizontal bagsupporting position to a downwardly inclined bag discharge position, afilling spout disposed above the bag support seat and arranged to bereceived within the inlet opening at the upper end of a bag disposed onsaid seat, clamping means disposed above and closely adjacent saidflling spout, means pivotally mounting said filling spout for movementfrom a substantially horizongeef-5,484

l tal bag filling and clamping position toa downwardly inclined bagreleasing position, and control means operatively connected to saidspout mounting means and arranged to release said spout for downwardpivoting movement prior to the downward pivoting movement of said bagsupport seat.

Referen'ces'Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSPeterson Aug. 11, r1931 Carter June 27, 1950 Carter Oct. 11, 1955

